Do People Think, “What’s That Smell?”
Homes get old and musty. Some smell like fish. Over time you get used to the odors in your own home, but visitors notice right away. The FreshStart Process is effective at removing surface odors; heavy, years-long buildup (like long-term cigarette smoke) may take a couple of treatments over time, since it can penetrate several microns into wood and drywall.
Pet Odors
The FreshStart Process is effective on biological pet odors like urine on non-absorbent surfaces. For deep or repeated contamination, an enzymatic pre-cleaner is recommended before treatment. In cases of severe, prolonged saturation, affected carpet, padding, or sub-flooring may need to be replaced first.
Food Odors
Cooking smells that are wonderful to some people are unpleasant to others — the FreshStart Process removes them rather than masking them, which matters a lot when you’re trying to make a home feel welcoming to a new buyer or guest.
Smoke Odors
Years of smoking indoors can leave an oily film and deeply embedded odor in sheetrock, plaster, and other materials. A single treatment reaches the surface layer; if odor re-emerges 7–10 days after the first treatment, a second treatment usually resolves it completely, after which the space can be painted without the odor returning through the new coat.
Dead Animal Odors
Once a dead or decomposing animal has been removed, the lingering odor can be overwhelming and persistent. The FreshStart Process eliminates what’s left behind at the source.
Preparation for the FreshStart Process
A FreshStart treatment takes about 5 hours from arrival to re-entry. No people or pets (except fish) can be on the premises during treatment.
Checklist
- Place wet or soiled elastic clothing in closed drawers or cabinets.
- Point out any specific problem areas to the technician when they arrive.
- Open drawers, cupboards, vanities, and closets fully.
- Spread out closet clothing to allow full treatment exposure.
- Pre-treat, repair, or replace any materials that have absorbed urine, feces, or mold.
- Remove bedding from mattresses and drape it over furniture or doors.
- Delicate plants may be removed in advance, as some color lightening can occur.
Contact information for your technician will be posted at all entrances during treatment. Do not enter until the space has been tested and cleared for occupancy.